Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but there are many new things to get used to, especially if you have not kept a dog before. You will think about managing dog feeding times. What do you feed your new puppy? How do you train them to behave around food? How should they behave around food?
It can be very easy for dogs to develop rituals around feeding time, and a recent survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of JustFoodForDogs revealed that nearly half of U.S. dog owners (44%) report that their dogs have specific behaviors before eating.
Some of the pre-meal behaviors are not socially acceptable, such as whining or barking in 21% of dogs. Some are more humorous, like jumping up and down (21%), and a further 21% dance or wiggle before feeding time. Only 19% engage in tail wagging at mealtime.
And it is not just dogs that have dog-feeding rituals. Owners also have set patterns! These rituals can include using a specific bowl or location, which nearly half of owners do at 48%. 14% set the table and eat with their pet and 12% use specific utensils. Some try to make food more appealing by adding fresh produce (38%), 16% of dog parents will plate the dish like gourmet food, and 30% mix the food by hand.
About 22% of owners say a phrase before feeding their dog. And, unwisely, about 20% offer additional treats before their meal! 15% ensure the meal is at a specific temperature, and a lively 9% sing or dance to encourage their dogs to eat!
If you have kept a dog before, you will know how dogs are great at timing. They know when their owner is due home, walk time, and especially when dinner time is! The survey found that 69% of dogs will alert their owners if their dinner is late. These alerts can include intense staring, following their owner around, whining, pawing, and pacing. Dogs love schedules, and by following a schedule for your pooch, you can help it grow into a calm and well-adapted adult dog.
When you bring your puppy home, you will want to get everything just right for your new family member. You must establish a consistent dog feeding routine based on positive reinforcement training. Here are some key points to consider:
You can choose a good feeding station for your puppy. Elevation can help alleviate the risk of indigestion and support joints. Stainless steel food and water bowls are a great option because they are durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Alternatively, BPA-free plastic is an alternative, but the dog's teeth can damage the bowls.
If you have chosen a puppy from a responsible breeder, you should have a puppy pack, including information about how to take care of your puppy. There will be advice on the current food, the amounts, and the current schedule. They would likely also advise if you decide to switch to another brand. Generally, introduce new foods over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset. You can ask your veterinarian for advice on the best food for your puppy.
You should also be aware of when to adjust to an adult diet and when your dog needs a senior diet. Ensure you are feeding the right amount of food to ensure that your dog develops well without becoming obese.
Fresh water should be available to your puppy or dog at all times.
As mentioned previously, when planning a dog feeding schedule, have set times to feed your puppy for their reassurance. Puppies should be fed between three to four times per day.
Avoid feeding treats throughout the day - unless they are being used specifically for positive reinforcement training.
You should also avoid feeding your puppy table scraps; human food can be harmful. It also teaches bad habits that can be hard to discourage in the future. You do not want to encourage your puppy to beg for food at the table.
Ensure your dog knows exactly when and where dinner time is.
Try to create a relaxing and positive dog feeding time with praise and positive encouragement. If you are concerned that your puppy might have an allergy, consult your veterinarian and ask them for advice on puppy food options and feeding schedules, etc.
You must train your puppy well around food. Basic training will help when you have guests and for the future. Starting with basic commands like sit, stay and leave can be helpful. Attending puppy obedience classes or hiring a dog trainer can be a great way to get you started with training.
It is helpful to teach your puppy to wait for their food until you command them to go or ok. Then, they receive their food as a reward, so use positive reinforcement to train your puppy to behave well around food.
It is also a good idea to practice the leave it command, so your puppy knows when to stop eating something they shouldn’t. You can then tell them to go again. You should also ensure your puppy is trained not to be defensive around food. So, you should be able to put your hand in the bowl or remove it without your puppy reacting defensively.
Seek professional help if you are unsure of the correct techniques for training. This particular command helps keep young children safe around your dog at feeding time.
It can be very easy to fall into rituals at dog feeding time for both you and your puppy. When your new puppy comes home, try to establish a routine you like and use positive reinforcement training to help your puppy grow into well-behaved during dinner time.
16 June, 2025